Skip to content

Debunking 8 Common Style Myths

    Debunking 8 Common Style Myths

    Written by: https://goop.com/goop-authors/amanda-chung”>Amanda Chung

    |

    Published on: August 30, 2022

    Fashion editor: https://goop.com/goop-authors/sandra-slusarczyk/” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Sandra Slusarczyk

    Photo courtesy of Anouk Yve

    What are the so-called style rules that have stuck with you throughout the years? No white after Labor Day? Don’t mix navy and black? It’s time to rethink them. Ahead, we break down eight outdated ideas that it’s time to let go of.

    myth 1:

    Horizontal stripes make you wider; vertical ones make you look taller.

    Fun fact: This oft-repeated idea was disproved by a https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233397358_Applying_the_Helmholtz_Illusion_to_Fashion_Horizontal_Stripes_Won’t_Make_You_Look_Fatter” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>scientific study in 2011. So instead of avoiding the cute maritime motif, you’re better off thinking about what kind of stripes to wear and how. Our fashion team’s advice? Narrower stripes—a quarter inch or thinner—are universally flattering. Style them with high-rise skirts and shorts to accentuate the waist.

    ON MODELS:
    https://goop.com/g-label-fabian-striped-button-up-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. LABEL FABIAN STRIPED BUTTON-UP SHIRT, goop, $395;
    https://goop.com/g-label-dru-striped-shirting-bustier/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Dru Striped Shirting Bustier, goop, $295;
    https://goop.com/g-label-johnson-striped-bodysuit/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Johnson striped bodysuit, goop, $185


    1. https://goop.com/g-label-fabian-striped-button-up-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. LABEL Fabian Striped Button-Up Shirt

      G. Label
      Fabian Striped Button-Up Shirt
      goop, $395

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/g-label-marney-french-striped-shirt/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label Marney french striped shirt goop, $245

      G. Label
      Marney french-striped shirt
      goop, $245

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://goop.com/g-label-simone-tiered-skirt-white/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label Simone tiered skirt goop, $475

      G. Label
      Simone tiered skirt
      goop, $475

      SHOP NOW

    4. https://goop.com/g-label-jasper-cuffed-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label jasper cuffed shorts goop, $325

      G. Label
      jasper cuffed shorts
      goop, $325

      SHOP NOW

    myth 2:

    You can’t mix gold and silver jewelry.

    Gone are the days of single-tone jewelry stacks. Here to replace them: Spinelli Kilcollin’s one-and-done galaxy rings, a mix of hoops for multiple-piercing people, and, for the wrist, a yellow-gold bangle set against a sparkly diamond bracelet.

    Model Posing

    Photo courtesy of Spinelli Kilcollin

    1. https://goop.com/jennifer-fisher-goop-hoops-7821-33179/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Jennifer Fisher x Goop hoops goop, $200

      Jennifer Fisher x goop
      hoops
      goop, $200

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/spinelli-kilcollin-ara-deux-hoop-earrings/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Spinelli Kilcollin earrings goop, $1,800

      Spinelli Kilcollin
      earrings
      goop, $1,800

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://goop.com/g-label-dixon-floating-diamond-bangle/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label Dixon floating-diamond bangle goop, $4,800

      G. Label
      Dixon floating-diamond bangle
      goop, $4,800

      SHOP NOW

    4. https://goop.com/laura-lombardi-icona-earrings/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Laura Lombardi earrings goop, $128

      Laura Lombardi
      earrings
      goop, $128

      SHOP NOW

    5. https://goop.com/spinelli-kilcollin-stella-ring/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Spinelli Kilcollin ring goop, $8,600

      Spinelli Kilcollin
      ring
      goop, $8,600

      SHOP NOW

    6. https://goop.com/mayors-white-gold-flex-diamond-bracelet/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Mayors bracelet goop, $5,900

      Mayors
      bracelet
      goop, $5,900

      SHOP NOW

    myth 3:

    Wearing socks with sandals is a
    fashion faux pas.

    This pairing is nearly as divisive as the pineapple-on-pizza debate (or, if you live in LA, the almond-versus-oat-milk debate). We happen to think it’s cute—especially if the sandals in question are quilted Chanels.

    ON MODELS:
    https://goop.com/g-label-alida-drop-stitch-surf-sweater/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>G. Label Alida Drop-Stitch Surf Sweater, goop, $675;
    https://goop.com/birkenstock-arizona-platform-big-buckle-papillo/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> Birkenstock arizona, goop, $180;
    https://thefrankieshop.com/products/lui-organic-cotton-shirt-navy-stripe” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> THE FRANKIE SHOP SHIRT, The Frankie Shop, $185;
    https://thefrankieshop.com/products/lui-organic-cotton-boxer-short-navy-stripe” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>THE FRANKIE SHOP SHORTS, The Frankie Shop, $109

    Model Posing
    Model Posing

    1. https://goop.com/birkenstock-arizona-shearling-natural/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Birkenstock arizona goop, $160

      Birkenstock
      arizona
      goop, $160

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/the-row/lingerie/socks/ribbed-cashmere-socks/38063312420722219?cm_mmc=Google-ProductSearch-CALI–c-_-NAP_EN_CALI_PLA-_-NAP+-+AM+-+CALI+-+GS+-+SSC+-+Zombie+Products–AM+-+CALI+-+Zombie_AM&gclid=CjwKCAjwmJeYBhAwEiwAXlg0AUtUWYRUtwZ2ZeEa2V3PwaS–wQG0EDB4ms6cXcqu4amwHyiHYl3NRoCHD4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=US_2672507&utm_content=US_GOOP&utm_term=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA&ranMID=24449&ranEAID=4cEL13QXtJY&ranSiteID=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA&siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-jNWr.lynOGdnj2DjT18iQA” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      The Row socks net-a-porter, $195

      The Row
      socks
      Net-a-Porter, $195

      SHOP NOW

    myth 4:

    You shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day.

    Historians speculate that this notion originated in the early 1900s, when white was the uniform of choice for wealthy Americans who had the means to flee the city when it got too hot. Upon returning in September, they would swap their light linen suits for darker fall clothing—a practice that probably trickled down to the middle class and eventually became mainstream.

    Today, white is seasonless. In the cooler months, choose warm tones like ivory, oat, and cream rather than starker, brighter whites—then ground the look with black accessories.

    ON MODEL:
    https://goop.com/matin-open-knit-tank/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>Matin tank, goop, $448

    model posing
    model posing

    1. https://goop.com/g-label-lc-oversized-cardigan/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label lc oversized cardigan goop, $595

      G. Label
      lc oversize cardigan
      goop, $595

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/matin-open-knit-tank/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Matin tank goop, $448

      Matin
      tank
      goop, $448

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://thefrankieshop.com/products/jane-pleated-pants-cream” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>

      The Frankie Shop
      pants
      The Frankie Shop, $148

      SHOP NOW

    4. https://goop.com/g-label-de-la-cruz-pleated-pants/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label de la cruz pleated pants goop, $495

      G. Label
      de la cruz pleated pants
      goop, $495

      SHOP NOW

    5. https://goop.com/agolde-90s-pinch-waist-jeans-drum/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Agolde jeans goop, $178

      AGOLDE
      jeans
      goop, $178

      SHOP NOW

    6. https://goop.com/advene-the-age-bag/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Advene bag goop, $595

      Advene
      bag
      goop, $595

      SHOP NOW

    7. https://www.celine.com/en-us/medium-triomphe-belt-in-smooth-calfskin-45AK93A01.38NO.75.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      Celine belt Celine, $560

      Celine
      belt
      Celine, $590

      SHOP NOW

    8. https://goop.com/aeyde-rosa-nappa-leather-flats/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Aeyde flats goop, $295

      Aeyde
      flats
      goop, $295

      SHOP NOW

    myth 5:

    Your shoes should match your handbag.

    Easy? Yes. Imperative? No. While matching your accessories is a failproof way to look instantly more put-together, mixing it up can yield equally chic results.

    model posing

    Photo courtesy of Szymon Brzóska

    1. https://goop.com/deiji-studios-the-over-dress/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Deiji Studios dress goop, $202

      Deiji Studios
      dress
      goop, $202

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/loewe/bags/shoulder-bags/puzzle-small-leather-shoulder-bag/1647597280472840?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-4cEL13QXtJY-_-Custom-_-LinkBuilder&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=US_2672507&utm_content=US_GOOP&utm_term=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&ranMID=24449&ranEAID=4cEL13QXtJY&ranSiteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&linkshare_siteID=4cEL13QXtJY-kuteN5VrJXGXV3kFu5Zc7A&linkshare_affiliate_mid=24449″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      Loewe bag net-a-porter, $2,850

      Loewe
      bag
      Net-a-Porter, $2,850

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://goop.com/emme-parsons-hope-sandals/p/?taxon_id=1490″ data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>

      Emme Parsons
      Sandals
      goop, $395

      SHOP NOW

    myth 6:

    High-rise > low-rise.

    As any Gen Zer in your life will tell you, low-rise is back. For them, that means baggy jeans that hang coolly off the hips. For you, it’s all about the office-friendly pencil skirt: Pair it with an oversize shirt or knit on top, and anchor the look with a belt.

    model posing

    Photo courtesy of Miu Miu

    1. https://goop.com/maria-mcmanus-oversized-shirt-sky-blue-poplin/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Maria McManus Shirt goop, $480

      Maria McManus
      Shirt
      goop, $480

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://www.miumiu.com/us/en/accessories/belts/products.Leather_belt.5CC536_2AIX_F0002.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      Miu Miu belt Miu Miu, $575

      Miu Miu
      belt
      Miu Miu, $575

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://www.miumiu.com/us/en/ready_to_wear/skirts/products.Prince_of_Wales_check_wool_skirt.MG1776_10DI_F0480.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>

      Miu Miu
      skirt
      Miu Miu, $1,650

      SHOP NOW

    myth 7:

    Black and navy don’t go together.

    Certain color combinations, like black and navy (but also black and brown, and black and pink), have a bad rap. The trick to making them work? Opt for soft, earthy tones that complement rather than clash.

    1. https://goop.com/g-label-alisha-v-neck-cardigan/p/?” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label Alisha v-neck cardigan goop, $595

      G. Label
      Alisha v-neck cardigan
      goop, $595

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/g-label-gloria-bustier-dress/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label gloria bustier dress goop, $595

      G. Label
      gloria bustier dress
      goop, $595

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://goop.com/a-emery-beau-sandals-black/p/?taxon_id=1490″ data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>

      A Emery
      SANDALS
      goop, $150

      SHOP NOW

    1. https://toteme-studio.com/products/boat-neck-poplin-blouse-saddle-brown” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      Totême blouse Totême, $320

      Totême
      blouse
      Totême, $320

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/g-label-fahn-high-waisted-pleated-pants/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label fahn high-waisted slacks goop, $495

      G. Label
      fahn high-waisted pleated pants
      goop, $495

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://www.fwrd.com/product-aemery-x-matteau-spargi-sandal-in-black/AEMF-WZ17/?d=Womens&currency=USD&countrycode=US&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuaiXBhCCARIsAKZLt3k7iqKTPcFiWqGtjsWJgQoY6UHmPHgZkVIgvpvisfoMETg-k2UU06AaAugEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      A. Emery Sandal FWRD, $190

      A Emery
      Sandals
      FWRD, $190

      SHOP NOW

    1. https://goop.com/g-label-johnson-bodysuit/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      G. Label Johnson bodysuit goop, $185

      G. Label
      Johnson bodysuit
      goop, $185

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/toteme-silk-organza-slacks/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Totême slacks goop, $470

      Totême
      slacks
      goop, $470

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://toteme-studio.com/products/the-flip-flop-flat-black-patent” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>
      Totême Flip-flop Totême, $350

      Totême
      Flip-flops
      Totême, $350

      SHOP NOW

    myth 8:

    You can’t wear shorts to the office.

    This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule anymore, especially if your workplace skews more casual than corporate. You’ll want to avoid anything too tight (menswear-inspired silhouettes are a good choice) or too short (look for a hem that hits at midthigh—about fingertip-length when your arms are resting at your sides). Round out the look with something substantial up top and black, means-business accessories.

    ON MODEL:
    https://goop.com/nili-lotan-angeline-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> nili lotan shorts, goop, $450;
    https://goop.com/g-label-rosa-plaid-shirt-jacket/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”> G. label Rosa Plaid Shirt-Jacket, goop, $148.50

    1. https://goop.com/maria-mcmanus-split-sleeve-cocoon-cardigan/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Maria McManus cardigan goop, $990

      Maria McManus
      cardigan
      goop, $990

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://goop.com/nili-lotan-angeline-shorts/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>
      Nili Lotan shorts goop, $450

      Nili Lotan
      shorts
      goop, $450

      SHOP NOW

    Wear It With

    1. https://goop.com/aeyde-rosa-nappa-leather-flats/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>

      Aeyde
      flats
      goop, $295

      SHOP NOW

    2. https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=4cEL13QXtJY&mid=24449&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.net-a-porter.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fthe-row%2Faccessories%2Fwide%2Fleather-belt%2F43769801095778558%3Fcm_mmc%3DGoogle-ProductSearch-CALI–c-_-NAP_EN_CALI_PLA-_-NAP%2B-%2BAM%2B-%2BCALI%2B-%2BGS%2B-%2BSSC%2B-%2BWhat%2527s%2BNew–AM%2B-%2BCALI%2B-%2BWhat%2527s%2BNew_AM%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe_B8kBU8At2DwWqc_uv0Z7VocFdpnkT3auBAin8p3xlOxUWSNR6F2hoCb-8QAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>

      The Row
      belt
      Net-a-Porter, $595

      SHOP NOW

    3. https://goop.com/aeyde-henry-calf-leather-boot/p/” data-shoppable data-analytics-name=”product-collage”>

      Aeyde
      boots
      goop, $672

      SHOP NOW

    Related Reading

    https://goop.com/style/ask-an-editor/pieces-we-keep-coming-back-to/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>The Pieces Our Fashion Team Keeps Coming Back To

    https://goop.com/style/outfitting-ideas/maximalism-for-minimalists/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Maximalism for Minimalists

    We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.


    https://goop.com/style/outfitting-ideas/debunking-style-myths/”>